Denham Springs opportunistic in 43-28 victory over Ferriday

DENHAM SPRINGS, La. — Ferriday High School walked into Denham Springs undefeated and ranked as the top team in Class 2A as they took on the 5A Yellow Jackets.

A torrent of penalties and turnovers contributed heavily to helping Denham Springs jump out early and hang on to take an exciting 43-28 victory.

The Jackets forced and recovered a fumble on Ferriday’s opening possession, one of four giveaways by the Trojans. Though Demham wouldn’t capitalize on the miscue, they would pin Ferriday deep in their own territory with a great punt by Josh Preston.

On the next play, Tristan Duhe wrapped up Byron Milligan for a safety, giving Denham a 2-0 lead.

After receiving the free kick, the Yellow Jackets marched 40 yards for their first touchdown as Cameron Feucht hit Ray Whitney from 12 yards out. The two-point conversion failed, making the score 8-0.

However, Ferriday was able to strike back quickly with an 80-yard scamper on the quarterback keeper by Byron Milligan to get Ferriday within two at 8-6.

After being forced to punt, Preston blasted another great kick that was downed at the one. This time is was Kaleb Pipes getting through the line to tackle Milligan in the end zone for the second safety of the game. At that point it was 10-6 Denham Springs.

The Yellow Jackets extended the lead to 17-6 after a 27-yard interception return by Justin Anderson. Jose Ortega would tack on three more just before the half, making it 20-6 Denham Springs at intermission.

Early in the third quarter, Ferriday quarterback Don Poole mishandled the snap and Hunter Scott would recover for the Jackets. Two plays later, Feucht would score from four yards out to give Denham its biggest lead of the night, 27-6.

Then things got interesting.

Ferriday’s Larry Scott got a scoop and score from 33 yards out, to make it 27-12. Just before the end of the third, Ortega nailed a 47-yard kick to push the lead back to 30-12.

In the fourth, Byron Milligan would run for a 2-yard score and then hit Damion Milligan for a 63-yard score to bring the Trojans to within eight points. The score was 36-28 with more than six minutes to play, more than enough time for Ferriday to make one more run.

The Trojan defense held, giving the ball back to its offense. However, Milligan would fumble fighting for extra yardage and Kyle Caltagiorone recovered.

All Denham had to do was run out the clock with 2:32 remaining, but they continued to throw the ball. After the Yellow Jackets had their drive extended twice due to penalty, Feucht would throw it up to the left pylon and DJ Williams made a leaping catch in the end zone to finally put the game out of reach.

The Trojans (5-1) will try to regroup next week when they host Vidalia, while Denham Springs (5-1) visits Zachary.